Here's what we know:
* Australia: The earliest known recipe for Fairy Bread appears in an Australian cookbook from 1927, called "The Australian Woman's Weekly Cookery Book". This suggests the dish may have been popular in Australia before it was in New Zealand.
* New Zealand: Many New Zealanders claim it's a childhood staple in their country, with a strong association with birthday parties and school events.
Ultimately, the origin remains unclear. It's likely that both countries developed the dish independently, or perhaps one country borrowed the idea from the other. Regardless of its exact origins, Fairy Bread is enjoyed by children (and adults!) in both Australia and New Zealand.